The Village NEWS 29 August - 4 September

NEWS NEWS

Village

The

Cape Whale Coast

29 August 2018

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FCJ Independent Newspaper of the Year

CROP CIRCLES Landscape art project

P 15

TRISTAN ROBERTS Chasing waves

P 24

PHOTO: Rostella du Toit Although residents of the Overstrand have been shivering in their boots over the past few days as temperatures plummeted and a cold front brought gale-force winds and heavy rains, the arrival of Spring is only days away. These boisterous seagulls were photographed on the promenade by Rostella du Toit.

The time to rebuild is now with councillors, stakeholders and representatives of civil and business society on Monday 27 August.

he unrest that has plagued the Overstrand over the past few months has been a wake-up call for residents, civil society and the municipality – and offers the opportunity to make the necessary changes to restore the former glory of the region.

“There is no doubt that every citizen in this region has lost something during these past months. It does not matter whether it affected jobs, income, investment, infrastructure or homes, it was a lose-lose situation,” he said.

headlines across the globe referred to the unrest and images were shown of fires burning and stones being hurled, the perception was created that Hermanus is a negative place. “A perception such as this is notoriously difficult to change, as we experienced when the message was sent out that Cape Town would become the first city in the world to run out of water with Day Zero looming,” he said.

This was the message from Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, Tourism, Economic Development and Agriculture, at a meeting

According to Winde, Hermanus has in addition to the material losses also lost its brand. The town has a new brand and it is negative. The moment

“But the saying ‘Never waste a good crisis’ is applicable in this case because it brings with it opportunities. The community now has the opportunity

De Waal Steyn

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to bring about the change that is necessary to rebuild trust in the town.

It is evident that trust between communities has been lost and the time has come to make definite plans to restore that trust,” said Winde.

According to him, in order to win back trust, both within from within and from outside, concrete plans need to be in place to show people a way forward. “Now is perhaps the time to bring in independent outside mediators to assist in charting the way forward. The plans must include what will be done to rebuild that which has

been lost and it must be communicated clearly to everyone.”

“Once trust has been restored and there is confidence in the future, the negativity towards the brand will start changing and tourists, investment and economic growth will return,” he said.

Winde made it clear that his department will be at the ready to assist the community in implementing future plans, but that before any investment will be done there needs to be unity within all of the communities.

Continues on P3

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29 August 2018

Deputy Mayor Elnora Gillion and Police Minister Bheki Cele were all smiles after a meeting held behind closed doors between councillors and the minister. At the meeting it was decided that negotiations between all stakeholders must begin as a matter of urgency. In the background are ANC Chief Whip Simphiwe Tebele, Brigadier Donovan Heilbron and Lt Col Muneeb Africa.

PHOTO: De Waal Steyn

Mediator to be appointed soon From P 1 “We cannot work with a community where different groups pull in different directions.

There needs to be a singular vision that unites the people and then we can assist in creating the opportunities that will bring economic prosperity.”

Masizole Mnqasela, Member of the Provincial Parliament for the Overberg, said at the meeting that a lot of effort has gone into stabilising the situation in town. “We are aware of the seriousness of the situation and we are doing everything in our power to restore the rule of law. Our next target is to have the councillors who have been forced out of the township to return to their jobs and homes. We need the councillors as the elected officials to ensure that service delivery in the township is restored and that plans can be put into action to address the issues that have led to the unrest.”

According to Mnqasela he is not in favour of the proposal made by Police Minister Bheki Cele during his visit to Hermanus on Friday 24 August. Cele met separately behind closed doors with both Zwelihle Renewal (ZR) and

councillors, and proposed that a letter should be sent to Deputy President David Mabuza asking for a multi-ministerial meeting to address the various problems in Zwelihle.

Members of the ZR committee said on Friday that they were happy with the outcome of their meeting with Min Cele and they were hopeful that the national ministers would soon attend to their grievances. However, Mnqasela said this proposed route would take a long time.

“That is something we do not have. We must deal with the problems now. To that end I can give the assurance that an Indaba will be held between the communities and representatives of the provincial and national departments of social development, labour, home affairs and health before the end of the first week of September. I have asked Western Cape Premier Helen Zille to facilitate this Indaba and she has agreed,” said Mnqasela.

He added that he is not in favour of exclusive negotiations between ZR and the Overstrand Municipality. “ZR is one of the stakeholders in Zwelihle and they must form part of the ne-

gotiations with all the relevant parties and this includes the councillors.”

At the stakeholders meeting on Monday night resolutions were taken that all stakeholders are in agreement with the inter-governmental Indaba and that a recognised, independent mediator with a proven track record must immediately be appointed by the municipality, in conjunction with the provincial government.

He added that Western Cape Human Settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela will on Sunday 2 September personally give feedback to the communities of Zwelihle, Mt Pleasant and Hawston on the future plans with regard to housing in the Overstrand. “The minister will also report back on the status of the Schulphoek land.”

Madikizela will visit Zwelihle at 13:00, Mount Pleasant at 14:00 and Hawston at 15:15 on Sunday. The intention of these meetings is to engage the affected and interested parties so that all members of the communities are aware of the planned projects. This is an opportunity to expressly share what has been achieved to date and chart the roadmap forward, said Mnqasela.

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29 August 2018

Rain, glorious rain is what we need more of De Waal Steyn

D

espite generous rainfall in the Overstrand this weekend we are not out of the woods yet with regards to water shortages.

Large parts of the Western Cape are still crippled by one of the worst droughts in history and rainfall figures from the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) indicate that February was the only month this year where Hermanus received more than the average rainfall over the last 70 years.

The average rainfall for Hermanus to mid-August this year has been close on 25% lower than the 70-year average. During our traditional wet months of June, July and August 27% less rain fell than the average.

In June 73,5 mm was measured against an average of 80,2 mm, while in July 51 mm was measured against an average of 81,3 mm. By Monday, 88 mm of rain had been measured for August against an average of 81,3 mm.

The SANSA statistics show that while Hermanus received an average annual rainfall of 608 mm over the last 70 years, rainfall for the last three years has been below that. In 2015 an average of 466 mm was recorded, with

538 mm in 2016 and 524 mm in 2017.

Although rainfall for January and March this year was lower than the average by almost half, in February almost double the average was received, bringing the rainfall for the first quarter of the year on a par with the average.

In fact, the 55,8 mm measured in February is the highest measured rainfall in the last 24 years for the month, with February 1993 clocking in at 58,2 mm. The highest monthly rainfall recorded in the last 70 years was in September 1951 with 236,7 mm. The wettest year we have experienced was 2013 with an average of 923,9 mm recorded for the year.

On Monday the level of the De Bos dam stood at 51%, while the weekly consumption is currently between 9 and 11 million litres per week. The Municipality earlier this month said that the restrictive water levies in the Greater Hermanus area that were implemented when the dam level fell below 40% will not be lifted until the level reaches 70%. At the start of the summer season last year the dam level was on 69%. A total of 123,4 mm rain in August 2017 helped fill the dam shortly before the start of the dry season.

Residents of Greater Hermanus who use more than 6 kl of water per month pay 30% more for water after the Overstrand Municipality implemented level 2 water restrictions in June. The saving measures are predominantly aimed at ensuring water savings in gardens.

Residents may only water their gardens for one hour, before 09:00 or after 17:00, one day per week. The day per week is in accordance with street numbers. For residents with even numbers, it is Wednesdays only, and for those with uneven numbers, Tuesdays only. The use of irrigation systems is still allowed, but also for not more than one hour on the specific day.

Also affected is the washing of vehicles and boats, which may only be done if a bucket and cloth are used.

The hosing down of hard surfaces or paved areas is prohibited. Watering of plants in nurseries, etc. for commercial purposes, is exempted from the water restrictions. The restrictions are also not applicable to commercial car wash businesses.

The cold front that swept through the Overstrand at the weekend not only brought with it much needed rain but also gale-force winds that uprooted several trees (below) and led to the destruction of the aluminium frame of a house being built in Onrus (above).

PHOTOS: Jean Orban

All well points and boreholes must be registered at the office of the area manager and consumers must ensure that they display the appropriate signage to this effect; clearly visible from a public thoroughfare.

Title deeds handed over to Stanford residents The mood at the Stanford Community Hall was jubilant as 54 families designated as beneficiaries of a housing project initiated in 2009 were finally granted rightful ownership of their houses in Thembelihle (Stanford South) and Kersiedorp (near the rugby field).

Even though the 88 families in question have been occupying their homes since 2009, legalities pertaining to town planning prevented the properties from officially being registered in the names of their rightful owners.

On handing over the title deeds to their homes during a ceremony held on 14 August, Overstrand’s Executive Mayor Dudley Coetzee remarked, “It took way

too long to provide you with proof of ownership, but now the houses are legally yours, and you can ensure that they stay in your families for generations to come. We wish you as the home owners all of the best.”

According to the municipality, a further 27 of the initial 88 low-income houses are in the process of being registered. Unfortunately, the remainder – seven properties in total – cannot yet be registered due to some unforeseen circumstances, such as beneficiaries who have died intestate or whose estates have not yet been finalised and a couple who have since moved away from the area before signing the necessary documentation.

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29 August 2018

Genevieve Linney (Public Relations and Fundraising for Camphill School) was overwhelmed with emotion when the L2L ladies arrived at the campus on Friday to tell them that they have been selected as the main charity for the 2019 L2L Ladies Walk next year in March.

The kindergarten class at Camphill School was ecstatic to hear that they would be able to get the school bus they need and couldn’t hold back their excitement as they ran towards their principal and the L2L ladies.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

Camphill School chosen as charity for 2019 L2L Ladies Walk

T

he Lighthouse2Lighthouse Ladies Walk has become an iconic event in the Overberg since its inception in 2006 when 26 ladies hiked for five days from Struisbaai to Hermanus (about 121 km) and raised R10 000 for CANSA Hermanus. The walk has since grown to approximately 110 ladies each year and has been shortened to four days, covering a distance of 100 km from Cape Agulhas Lighthouse to Danger Point Lighthouse.

The main purpose of the walk in March every year is to raise funds for charities within the Overberg District Municipality. The process for choosing a charity for 2019 began this month after the charities that applied were narrowed down to seven finalists. These seven charities then had the opportunity to give their presentations on Tuesday 14 August at the L2L Registration and Charity Presentation Evening held in the United Church Hall.

The seven finalists were the Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD) and the Overstrand Wheelchair Association (OWA) jointly; Camphill School Hermanus; Ella Gordon Crèche; Learn to Earn; Overstrand Hospice; Hemel-en-Aarde Pebbles Project; and Whale Coast Conservation. All of the presentations were extremely heart-warming and choosing a winner for 2019 was a difficult task for the voters, but in the end the L2L ladies chose Camphill School as the main charity for 2019. The OAPD/OWA were the runners up, making them the recipients of the funds from the practice walk that will take place later this year.

It was smiles all around on Friday for (back from left) Isabel Fauël (L2L), Genevieve Linney (Camphill School PR and Fundraising), Marlinda Wright (L2L), Jeanne-Marié Botha (Camphill School Principal), Simone Heunis (L2L), Nicoleen Potgieter (Camphill School Bursar) and Geraldine May (Camphill School Reception).

to reach their full potential and to become “able” in their community. The OAPD and OWA are in need of a bus to transport staff and facilitators.

Camphill School and OAPD/OWA were completely surprised when the L2L ladies arrived on Friday to bring them the happy news, as nothing had been announced regarding the winners until the L2L ladies were literally on their doorstep. It was an extremely emotional occasion for both the beneficiaries and L2L.

care. As one of only two small special needs schools in the vast, largely-rural Over-berg region, it caters for both day and resi-dential learners, aged from 5 to 19 years. Using a curative educational approach, the school not only offers pupils individualised education in small classes, but they also have access to a wide range of therapies, an educational psychologist and a social worker.

They are currently in need of a school bus to transport their pupils.

Last year’s winning charity was the Hermanus Senior Centre and the L2L ladies were able to raise a considerable amount of money – over R600 000 – as well as a further small sum for the runner-up charity, Hermanus Animal Welfare, through their practice walk.

Established in 1952 as an independent, special needs school located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Camphill has offered generations of children with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity for high quality education and

The Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD) and the Overstrand Wheelchair Association (OWA) are two organisations that aim to increase the quality of life for persons with disabilities by helping them

Registration for the 2019 L2L Ladies Walk took place after the presentation evening and for this group of dynamic women the task of raising funds for Camphill School will now begin.

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29 August 2018

Let’s Talk

THE

NEWS

THE

NEWS

Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Let us build our future together Communities, civil society groups and business have all been working around the clock these past few months to address the serious issues that are facing Hermanus.

Municipality needs independent Environmental Directorate The front page article in The Village NEWS of 7 August (New De Mond resort coming soon) raises more questions than answers. Why has there been no public participation process? Why have the following bodies not been consulted – Fernkloof Advisory Board (FAB), Cape Nature, Klein River Estuary Forum (KREF) and the Hermanus Lagoon Property Owners Association (HLPOA)?

Has the Provincial Department of Transport, which is about to commence extensive upgrades to the R43 road between Hermanus and Stanford, been consulted? The existing off-ramp from the R43 to Prawn Flats is extremely dangerous.

Who drew up the tender document?

How many tenders were submitted?

For how long is the lease and has it been registered at the Deeds Office?

How much is the annual rental and what are the annual escalations?

What is proposed to be done about services for this extensive development, with particular reference to water and sewage? The Klein River estuary is a critically important breed-

ing area for fish. How is this function to be protected?

As the site is adjacent to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, what consideration has been given to existing regulations about a buffer zone and proposed new legislation about buffer zones in which the Municipality is involved?Is there any connection between this development and a proposed cable car up Mosselberg into Fernkloof Nature Reserve?

Has the developer (who apparently hails from Pretoria) been told that during our dry summer (peak holiday) months there can often be an overpowering stench from the estuary, or is this to be used as a motivation to override environmental advice as to the opening (or not) of the estuary?

The above highlights the fact that what Hermanus needs is a Council, a Municipal Manager and a Mayor who are committed to giving our Municipality an Environmental Directorate, free and independent of our Infrastructure and Planning Directorate.

This need was further illustrated at a public meeting held on Women’s Day, 9 August and attended by Donald Grant, MEC for Western Cape Transport, where it transpired that until that date he knew nothing about the construction of a R75 million development (12 golf estate cottages) directly in the path of the proposed Fernkloof bypass.

This is against a background of the fact that the Overstrand Municipal Planning Department requested that the Provincial Transport Department construct this 3 km bypass as part of the R43, which is a Provincial road. Also that the consultant’s fees to date, on this extravaganza, are well in excess of R8.5 million, and rising. The golf estate also happens to be on a wetland.

The Hands-Off Fernkloof Nature Reserve group have a petition running which has now exceeded the 13 500 mark of people both from South Africa and overseas. The powers that be would do well to heed public opinion.

Antony van Hoogstraten, Voëlklip

It has become clear that we are a community divided on many levels and that a large contributor to this has been a loss of trust. Simply follow any discussion on issues in our town on Facebook and you will quickly see how distrust and division are the order of the day. This phenomenon has reared its head not only between the various races in our town but also within communities, and has led to a situation where many splinter groups have made their appearance.

The problems we face are not only confined to Hermanus but also to all the towns in our area. Indeed, it can be argued that what is playing itself out now is a continuation of our national political landscape.

But the diversification of communities and groups is not necessarily a bad thing as not all groups and associations are able to cater for the wide range of interests of their members. Smaller and more focused groups can cater to the needs of their constituents on a day-to-day level.

It is, however, of the utmost importance that trust between these groups and between communities

Weather forecast for the next week & De Bos Dam level Wednesday 29 August

Thursday 30 August

Friday 31 August

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Saturday 1 September Sunday 2 September

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OPINION Matters

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www.yr.no

Monday 3 September

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is rebuilt as a matter of urgency. The leaders of our society need to put their differences aside and work together in order for us to chart the way forward. Different races also need to sit and discuss their problems openly and honestly and find common ground.

This is no easy task as the trust deficit between groups and communities first needs to be eradicated before it can be built up to a point where there is a unified vision for the future.

This is a call on all communities, their leaders and civil society to lead our region on a new path. For us to use our diversity to build unity.

Those individuals hellbent on destroying social cohesion and a spirit of rebuilding need to change their ways as they have no place in our town.

We urge each and every one of our readers to assist us in building up our region as an example for others to follow.

Let us work together and stop trying to find problems for every solution. It has been proven time and again in the past that our residents have enough goodwill to overcome the direst of situations.

Now is the time to build. Let’s do it, together.

This is the good NEWS – ED

Proudly brought to you by: Hermanus

Tuesday 4 September

14°C / 18°C Partly cloudy

De Bos Dam Level

51 %

7

29 August 2018

The Team

Overstrand: From here to where?

6 Royal Street, Hermanus

028 312 2234

In the 22 August edition of The Village NEWS Prof Roy du Pré wrote a letter asking: What now and where does Hermanus go from here? His thought-provoking letter kept me awake at night as I wondered about the same question and the wisdom of my decision to relocate my family to Hermanus from a relatively stable life in Randburg.

Even more thought provoking was the ending of his letter in which he suggested that Hermanus, or maybe the Overstrand area, is on a downward spiral – and that we, as residents of the Overstrand, have a choice on how the spiral for our area will end: upwards or downwards?

In my opinion, downwards is not a choice as this will result in self destruction – which I cannot imagine anyone in our town would want for his or her family. The only viable option is upwards, which begs the question: How do we ensure that we as a society of different communities in the Overstrand, move upwards or forward, and not downwards or backward?

This question was top of mind the past week as I attended and par-

ticipated in many meetings and discussions on topics varying from the upcoming Whale Festival to ‘What a successful tourist sector could look like for the area’.

Having observed many different behaviours during these meetings and discussions, I came to the conclusion that whether we move “upwards or downwards” from here depends, inter alia, on how we behave when we interact with one other.

In my opinion an upward or forward spiral for Overstrand is a realistic option if all stakeholders (as difficult as it might be in a diverse society) commit to the following behaviours when we debate the road ahead: 1. We should not dwell on the past longer than is necessary to understand why we are in the current undesirable situation.

From what I have seen, read and experienced the last couple of months, enough naming, blaming and shaming has taken place. In various forms all role players have taken some responsibility for the often unintended consequences

of their actions (or lack thereof) and are trying to correct it. Can we not move into solution mode and start filling our proverbial “hole” rather than digging it deeper? My take is that “filling” rather than “digging” will move us upward or forward.

2. We should remain focused on some of the real local socioeconomic issues and how to resolve, delay or counter them.

These are well known and documented; namely: high levels of unemployment, often inadequate skill levels of job seekers, ageing and inadequate infrastructure to cope with our needs, ever changing technology that is eroding known job opportunities faster than we realise, numerous complex environmental issues and given the upcoming National Elections, uncertainty regarding provincial and national public policies. Let us agree to avoid any behaviour which will aggravate the effects of these socioeconomic issues.

3. Allow our diverse backgrounds, different needs and aspirations to assist us in designing an unbiased and realistic future

for the Overstrand, rather than a future that is only shaped by a biased perspective of a specific background and/or set of circumstances. Let us remember we can only understand another person’s situation once we have “walked a mile in his/her shoes” and even then, we only understand partially where he/she is coming from.

I can only hope that all readers agree that an upward or forward spiral for Overstrand is more desirable than a downward or backward one. Based on this, I can only trust that we will all at least try to avoid some of the behaviours that will certainly take us on a less desirable spiral.

In the ‘50s and ‘60s movie stars and pop music influenced how we dressed. Gone were the days of suave jazz crooners wearing shiny lounge-suites and Brylcreem, with ladies like Marilyn Monroe in their knee-length pencil skirts and dangerously high heels.

In swept the Elvis/Cliff rock ’n roll era.

Skin-tight powder-blue pants and pointy shoes were ‘in’ for gents with their half-sucked-mango hairdos.

Regular gals graduated out of either high heels or sneakers into ankle booties, shorter flared skirts and teased hair.

Then, to the horror of all parents, serious rock music gave the fashion world a wedgie. Long hair was now essential – sometimes with thatched foreheads like the Beatles, or stringy and greasy and generally grubby, like the Stones. Snubbing the normal ‘short-back-and-sides’ was part of the revolution, and the concept of having ridiculous hairstyles created a whole new breed of aspiring follicular choreographers.

Pants became dangerously tight for both sexes. They were called ‘stovepipes’, and often required a close friend to assist when entering or exiting the garment. Depending on the friendship, exiting was usually quicker. Pointed boots called winkle-pickers looked cool with turned-up denims or flared skirts alike, and were regarded ‘hip’. Otherwise you were square – today’s geek or nerd (Dorkis maximus).

A Far Kraai

We are responsible for influencing the direction from here – and what an opportunity we have to reinvent ourselves and steer away from the situation we currently find ourselves in. Please let us not waste it.

Gideon Serfontein

Many of you are blessed to have missed the giggly-twig hippy trip with its floral prints, loose flappy garments, tassels and sandals, which somehow made everyone look slightly homeless. You also probably missed the horror of platform shoes and bellbottoms wide enough to fit both your legs down each pant – with your shoes on. The fad was just created by cloth manufacturers to sell more fabric. Anyway, a little later, courtesy of the ladies in Dallas, big hair blossomed and shoulder-pads mushroomed till they thankfully ran out of compost after a few years.

It’s a good thing we weren’t around during the Renaissance though. The aristocracy spent their childhood being beaten by nannies and their later years murdering wildlife, yet due to their standing in society they could influence fashion.

In 14th century France, Phillip the Fair forbade dukes, barons, counts and their wives from owning more than four items of clothing. Unmarried women could only have one dress – unless they owned a castle. Small price to pay for a second frock, don’t you think?

Footware wasn’t included in his edict, so the length of your pointed shoe

reflected your status – sometimes up to double the foot size for the real larnies. A century later in 1483, Charles VIII of France axed the pointy shoe and introduced the square toe for comfort.

He had six toes. I’m not making this up.

In remembrance, people still wear square-toed shoes despite most of us only having five toes.

In Venice, brunettes were only seen among the working classes, and the more refined set would spend hours lemon-bleaching themselves blonder.

Colour discrimination, it appears, took root even back then.

Like a wedding cake left out in the rain, a mish-mash of ‘anything goes’ is perfectly acceptable today. Colours can clash and bygone styles can randomly collide. Who really cares anymore? As long as it’s functional, né? Now, I wonder if my aubergine safari suit’s dry yet…

Office Administrator Tania Hamman admin@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing Manager Kathy Bentley 083 581 7219 kathy@thevillagenews.co.za

HELLO REGGAE STYLE That beautiful song by Adele, which hit No 1 around the world a while back, is superbly covered by the group Conkarah - brother Mike and sister Rosie, from the Solomon Islands, of all places.

She sounds just like Adele – production is excellent. You’ll enjoy it. Just type Adele + Reggae.

– Pieter

These days, skinny jeans, short skirts and silly hair are back. Having witnessed beltlines yo-yo ‘twixt boob and bun, we’ve ridden full-circle on the carousel, back where it all started.

Current TV fashion channels show just how silly some styles are becoming.

Men’s longs are shorter – just above the ankle – looking sadly like ouboet’s hand-me-downs, while ladies’ leggings/tights often seem far too snug for comfort. Clothes apparently don’t have to fit anymore.

Design and Layout Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey@thevillagenews.co.za

YOUTUBE: Cheers4Ears

Murray Stewart thevillagemuze@gmail.com

Over a few years boots got longer, skirts shorter and a kaleidoscope of trends and fads hopped onto the merry-go-round.

Content Editor Hedda Mittner 083 645 3928 hedda@thevillagenews.co.za

I look forward to the journey that the Overstrand community is on as it is only starting now and not near completion.

Yo-Yos on the Carousel of Haute Couture Over the years, many fashion trends have come full circle, and most of us will remember when we were first independent enough to wear clothes Mum hadn’t chosen. As teenagers, peer pressure nudges us to climb onto the sartorial merry-go-round, and we generally stay on it till we’re old enough not to care anymore and can happily jump off.

Publishing Editor De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing Representative Laetitia Prinsloo 082 738 3765 ads@thevillagenews.co.za

Journalist Elaine Davie 084 343 7500

Photography & Social Media Taylum Meyer 084 564 0779 taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

WHERE TO FIND US STAND BY ME. PLAYING FOR CHANGE In 2009, singers and musicians from around the world collaborated is this extraordinary rendition of the old sixties hit. Performers from France, Russia, Brazil, Louisiana, and SA among others, are expertly and seamlessly edited together. Uplifting and heart-warming – you’ll feel proud. Just type Stand By Me + Street. – Mik

The Village NEWS is published every week and the next edition will be available on 5 September. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast, from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai. Get your FREE copy from major retail stores such as Spar, Checkers and Pick n Pay, and at restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries and shopping centres. Should you wish to receive a copy, call us on 028 312 2234 or 083 228 7523 or pop into our office at 6 Royal Street, Hermanus.

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8

29 August 2018

THE

NEWS

Let’s Talk

Shame on Hermanus

‘Spend and support local’ The above topic of the editorial comment in the 7 August edition of The Village NEWS made me wonder about local conveyancing matters being handed to big Cape Town law firms.

I admit I do not have empirical data on the subject of Cape Town attorneys receiving most (not all) of the conveyancing instructions from most (not all) of the estate agents here in Hermanus and other outlying areas such as Paarl and Stellenbosch. But, it is patently clear that most of this work is going straight to these big firms.

I do not refer here to conveyancing matters where the Seller tells the estate agent which attorney he/she chooses to attend to the transaction, but rather those matters where either the Seller does not insist that their own attorney is appointed or just has no preference either way. In the latter instances, the matters are referred mostly to Cape Town law firms by the local estate agents.

One of the ‘Transactions’ listed under paragraph 6 of the Estate Agents' Code of Conduct reads as follows: "An agent may not use undue influence to persuade parties to make use of a specific institution or attorney."

This begs the question: if the agents are putting no undue influence on the Sellers who do not insist on their own attorney being appointed, how is it that most of these matters end up in Cape Town?

Recently, one of my clients sold her house in the Hermanus area. She has been a client and friend for many years and told me that the agent involved persuaded her to instruct a big firm in Cape Town. When I raised it with the agent, she said that it had already been sent to the firm in Cape Town and could not be retrieved.

She then phoned my client and convinced her that it was a fait accompli.

The matter stayed with the Cape

Town firm – which meant roughly R25 000 less in the local economy of Hermanus.

When one considers the huge amount of income generated by the sale and transfer of immovable properties in Hermanus, one can easily surmise that there will be a huge increase in spending in the local economy if a local agent earns commission on the sale (which they do) and a local conveyancer earns the transfer fees (which they more often than not don't).

For instance, if one wishes to do some maintenance or renovations around the house, one could afford to employ a builder, painter, plumber, electrician or home maintenance man if one receives instructions from local agents and has more spending power. That man could then pay his bond, pay his children's school fees or eat out in a local restaurant. Wouldn't it be so good for the economy of Hermanus?

One can take the scenario one step further and say, if I, as a conveyancer wish to place my home on the market, should I appoint a Cape Town estate agent and deny the local agents the chance to earn a living and spend their hard-earned cash in Hermanus?

I think most local agents would be horrified at the very thought of mandates to sell Hermanus properties being given to Cape Town agents. Doesn't it work both ways?

I have lived in Hermanus for 20 years and have known many of the local agents for a very long time.

Some of these agents have told me that the big Cape Town law firms offer some, if not all, of the following: training, paying for the agents' qualifications, paying for golf days, providing lunches in fancy restaurants and bringing gifts on the agents' birthdays.

The ethics of attorneys is prescribed by the Law Society and the laws applicable to the profession. Such conduct by attorneys is known as touting and it is unprofessional and unethical conduct which can lead to disciplinary action.

From the perspective of the Estate Agents' Code of Conduct (prescribed by the Estate Agency Affairs Act 112 of 1976), undue influence to persuade parties to make use of a specific institution or attorney does not comply with their "sound business principles with emphasis on moral and ethical behaviour with the underlying themes of transparency, honesty and integrity".

Coming out of church on Sunday morning I noticed an ambulance and a police vehicle and some activity around the shrubbery on the pavement. On closer enquiry I discovered that it was a homeless person who had died, probably of hypothermia during a bitterly cold night with rain and sleet.

I was shocked and ashamed. How could it be that in an affluent town like Hermanus with all its tourism, festivals, malls and luxury housing estates we could allow one of our people to die like that. What has happened to Christian charity, social justice, Ubuntu or whatever you want to call our common social responsibility to those less fortunate?

Whose responsibility it was to ensure that that homeless person had

a shelter on a night like last Saturday I cannot say, but I would say that an event like that is the product of the values of our society at large which places self-interest above all else.

We can attribute blame, and probably with good reason, to all levels of government, including the Overstrand Municipality, for not doing enough to provide for the needs of the poor. We can write letters, hold meetings and organise protest marches to demand better facilities.

We can do all that but what we, the people of Hermanus, cannot escape is the knowledge that a resident of this town died on Saturday night under a bush on our main street and there was nobody to care for him.

Piet van Zyl Voëlklip

I have requested the Law Society to look into this and they have undertaken to do so. It would be helpful too, if attention is drawn in the local media to the effect such conduct is having on the local economy. As you so aptly stated in the 7 August edition of The Village NEWS: "With businesses struggling due to the lower turnover, we as a community need to stand together and support local business as much as possible.”

I really believe it would make a huge difference if millions of rands earned every year in the transfers of Hermanus immovable properties stayed right here in Hermanus instead of being diverted to Cape Town's economy by our local estate agents.

One more point springs to mind and that is that if local attorneys had more conveyancing work, they might also be in a position to employ more local people and donate more money than they already do to local charities such as HAWS.

K J TOWSEY Attorney & Conveyancer Hermanus Heights

Congratulations to Janet Hugo of Sterling Private Wealth in Hermanus, who won the prestigious Financial Planner of the Year Award presented by the Financial Planning Institute. With more than 30 000 registered financial planners in South Africa it is indeed a great honour to befall a resident. Janet is the first female winner in the last seven years after going through a gruelling three-step judging procedure. PHOTO: De Waal Steyn

Village

EXPLORER The

FOOD • WINE • NATURE • EVENTS

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What wine consumers want

he 2004 movie Sideways singlehandedly changed consumers’ view of Merlot and Pinot Noir for years to come; 18 years later it still reverberates.

The set-up: Thomas Haden Church's womanising character Jack tries to get Paul Giamatti's wine snob character Miles to join him in having a good time while on a road trip through California’s renowned wine country – and even drinking a glass of Merlot. Miles' retort – “If anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving, I am NOT drinking any (expletive) Merlot!" – sent shock waves through the wine industry.

The film was especially beneficial for Pinot Noir wines, which are held in such high esteem by Miles. Pinot Noir sales rocketed 12% on average for the first three years following the release of Sideways. Meanwhile, some believe the Miles line dealt Merlot a blow, resulting in a 2,6% decline in annual sales.

"You know, it was just a joke," director Alexander Payne is reported to have said in an interview. "But it sort of became the equivalent of 1934's It Happened One Night, when Clark Gable removed his shirt to reveal no undershirt. Reportedly sales of undershirts plummeted. I never would have predicted this film would hit the zeitgeist."

A similar experience happened with Rosé. The actress, Teri Hatcher wore a T-shirt with the words “Rosé all day” printed on it in an episode of Desperate Housewives two years ago. Immediately there was a surge in Rosé sales worldwide and the hype still continues, with the demand for a good dry Rosé ex-

ceeding all predictions. It is now not only a social drink, it is very hip to be seen drinking a Rosé.

bound by ratings and status wineries.

There is however a huge difference between men’s and women’s purchasing habits when it comes to wine, but that is another topic for another day.

How fickle have we as wine consumers become? With everyone demanding a bottle of the latest craze, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up, and from a retail point of view near impossible to predict what the next “big thing” will be.

The specialised retail wine shops such as Wine Village and others are positioned in the middle, between both the well-informed and fashion-seeking consumer and the wine producer. The producer would like his product with its story to be embraced, which sometimes leads to tough negotiations if the wine is not in line with current trends. There are many ways to bridge this divide of understanding or for that matter, misunderstanding.

Like any industry, the wine producer needs columns to support it. That support comes in various forms, from retail to print and online media, wine guides and wine blogs. Every entity with its own agenda and market place.

Let’s take the Diners Club Platter’s Wine Guide as an example. It was introduced to serve as a wine guide to the consumer, to inform us of the quality of a wine and the winery where it was produced. A simple star rating system was introduced. It was never intended as a wine competition, which it has now become, a benchmark seen from the eyes of the producer.

JP Rossouw, publisher of the Diners Club Platter’s Wine Guide sums it up pretty well: “All great industries and enterprises thrive on external assessment and constructive criticism to improve themselves. So, while wine producers may not always agree with our reviews, they mostly understand the vital importance of having a ‘book of record’ for the industry.”

The Platter’s Wine Guide as a publication has informed us as consumers for decades, bringing the wineries to the

Hosting tastings of various wineries side by side and comparing the different styles and quality is a good vehicle to bring the producer and consumer closer together. Recently Tim Atkin hosted an evening where he presented South Africa’s best white wines. It was a good opportunity to see how the various appellations express the different styles of wines.

inside of our homes. What more do we expect?

The days of “I only drink red wine” are long gone. The consumer today is well informed. I’m not even talking about the Millennials (the generation born in the ‘80s and ‘90s). The internet, smartphones and social media have contributed to this tree of knowledge. We are much more perceptive to the

latest trends and what we consume.

How many times have you seen your friend at an idyllic wine tasting that was picture-perfect posted on Facebook? The wine must be good, look, they’re all having a good time, you might be thinking.

Today’s consumers, according to many surveys, are far more adventurous, exploring new wines without being

JP Rossouw of the Diners Club Platter’s Wine Guide will present such an event on Thursday, 30 August, titled Platter’s Posh Reds, at the Classroom at 18:30. This will be a unique tasting where rare vintages will be re-tasted and the rating system will be put to the test to see if those highly rated wines still hold up. Tickets for this event are available from the Wine Village.

- Proudly brought to you by Wine Village

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■ Platter’s Posh Reds: Enjoy an evening of posh red wines with Wine Village and the publishers of the Platter’s Wine Guide. Among the line-up are some of the finest and most sought-after red wines in South Africa, including Newton Johnson Family Vineyards, Keet Wines, Restless River, Ernie Els Wines, Rust en Vrede Estate, Creation Wines and Remhoogte Wine Estate. Light snacks and wine will be served after the tasting. Limited tickets at R400 pp. Contact Ulla du Toit at 028 316 4580 or wineoffice@hermanus.co.za. At The Classroom, welcome drinks at 18:30 and tasting starts at 19:00.

■ Overberg Eisteddfod Winners Prestige Concert: Overstrand Arts/Kunste (OAK) presents a feast of music, art, speech, drama and dance, with live variety performances featuring the best in youth talent from the Overberg. Come early to view the art exhibition in the foyer before the concert starts. Tickets are R60 for adults and R10 for students. Book with Hermanus Tourism on 028 312 2629. At the Municipal Auditorium, at 19:00.

■ Rotary Club of Hermanus: Visitors are welcome at Rotary’s weekly meetings. Contact Frank on 082 870 1187 to confirm your attendance. At Mollergeren Park, every Thursday at 19:00.

Friday 31 August ■ Bhuki Café: Join the Friends of Hermanus

Library for tea, coffee and eats for only R20 and help to raise funds for the library. Every Friday from 09:00 – 11:30, at Hermanus Library.

■ Kolwyntjie Teetuin: Everyone in the area is welcome to enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at a nominal fee, and make new friends at the Onrus Care Centre (Dienssentrum). At the Onrus Dutch Reformed Church, every Friday between 09:30 and 11:30.

■ The History of Ancient Egypt: This popular

DVD series presented by U3A Overberg continues with the topic of The Decline of Dynasty XIX. In the Catholic Church Hall, at 10:00.

■ Bottomless Bubbly Friday: Celebrate the start

of the weekend with bottomless Domaine des Dieux bubbly, every last Friday of the month, at R130 pp. A mini cheese and meat board is available at R120 per board to enjoy with your bottomless bubbly. At Domaine des Dieux tasting room, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, from 16:00 – 19:00.

■ Jazz Night: Dutchies’ monthly Jazz Friday evenings are back! Come and listen to the laidback sounds of Simon and Friends while enjoying an early dinner or cocktails on the terrace. Call 028 314 1392 to make a reservation. At Dutchies on Grotto Beach, from 18:30.

■ Rewind: Join Soul Café every Friday night and relax to the tunes of their resident band as they perform all your favourite hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Cover charge R50 pp. Call 028 313 2137 to book. At Soul Café, 181 Main Road, Hermanus, at 20:00.

Friday 31 August – Monday 3 September

free and in the event of rain the market moves indoors. For enquiries, contact Debbie Randall on 028 284 9220. At Fioré Garden Centre & Coffee Shop, Bot River, from 09:00 – 14:00.

■ Botrivier Hotel Market: For hand-made crafts and tasty treats, come and browse the new weekly market in the hotel garden. New vendors are welcome; contact Erna at ernastark@outlook.com or 028 315 2582 or WhatsApp 076 708 0818 to book your stall. At the Botrivier Hotel, every Saturday, from 10:00 – 14:00.

■ Hermanus High School Tea: Johrné van Huyssteen will be the guest speaker at a High Tea fundraiser organised by the PTA. There will be a high tea and cake buffet with entertainment at R250 pp. Contact Chrizulene van Niekerk on 082 873 6889 to book. At the Sandbaai Hall, at 10:30 for 11:00.

■ Spring in the Cape Photo-Tour: Join The Photowalkers for a 4-day educational Photo-Tour to explore the Cape in Spring. You will meander up the rugged West Coast to photograph the carpets of Namaqualand daisies, followed by a venture into the Cape fruit farms to capture the blossoming trees. From there you’ll travel through the vineyards of Tulbagh and into the patchwork of Canola fields in The Overberg, while staying in beautiful Greyton. Get all the details at thephotowalkers.com/spring-in-the-cape2018 or contact Leanne Dryburgh on 083 293 7208.

■ Benguela Cove: Celebrate Spring Day by playing a round of Pirate Adventure Golf with family and friends in support of the Hermanus Night Shelter Association. Come dressed up in your best pirate gear for 18 holes of swashbuckling fun. On the way you will encounter pirates and plenty of obstacles including a huge pirate ship, streams, rafts and a giant skull. Booking is not required. For more information contact 087 357 0637 or golf@benguelacove.co.za. At Benguela Cove Lagoon Estate, from 09:00.

Saturday 1 September

Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 September

■ Hermanus parkrun: Meet for the weekly 5 km walk or run, come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. Set off from the Overstrand Training Institute (OTI) farm on Camphill Road in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, at 08:00.

■ Hermanus Country Market: A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome.

You’ll find wholesome goodies, home-made crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music. Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00 – 13:00.

■ Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: Where local and international foodies and wine lovers meet. You’ll find real plates and real cutlery; real cups and real glasses; a real hangout for real people. In the courtyard of Hermanuspietersfontein wine cellar at The Village, from 09:00 – 13:00.

■ Market in the Garden: Hunt for treasures at this peaceful market set among the shady trees of a beautiful garden. At St Peter’s Church in Main Road, Hermanus, from 09:00 – 13:00.

■ Fioré Country Market: Browse this new

country market in Bot River for homemade crafts, books, local treats, fresh fruit and more. Stands are

David Allen, the Curator of Birds at the Durban Natural Science Museum and a specialist in this field, will present LBJs – Getting to know them, and will also add a special section on our vultures in celebration of International Vulture Awareness Day on 1 September. The cost of the 2-day course is R550 pp. To register contact Elaine at mwjasser@mweb.co.za or sms to 082 455 8402.

Find the full course schedule and programme at www.westerncapebirding.co.za/overberg/events/ 698/. In the Community Hall at Mollergren Park, 236 Main Road, Hermanus.

Sunday 2 September ■ Afdaks Craft Market: Unique hand-made crafts, yummy food, children’s entertainment and lots of parking. Contact 082 679 7819 for more information. At Café Tango, Afdaksrivier Nursery, every Sunday from 10:00.

■ Lemm’s Corner Market: This popular Sunday market offers exclusive arts and crafts, and handmade local products. At Fisherman’s Village (between Cattle Baron and Fisherman’s Cottage), from 10:00 – 15:00.

Monday 3 September ■ Afrikaans lecture series: U3A Overberg presents a talk by Nickie van der Walt, a retired operational member of the State Security Service who now lives in Hermanus, titled Die Intelligensiediens. In the Catholic Church Hall, at 10:00.

■ Bot River Spring Weekend: Join the Bot

River Wine Route’s fun-loving and fancy-free wineries as they celebrate the dispatch of winter with their own unique and bull-inspired themes that will include food, wine, music and children’s entertainment. Tickets at R100 pp/day are available online through Quicket or at Gabriëlskloof and Wildekrans wine estates over the weekend.

Tickets include a weekend pass, an armband and a wine glass for free wine tastings at participating farms, which can be collected at Fiore Nursery on the town square. Individual activities must be booked with each farm directly. For more information about the faBULLous Bot River Spring Weekend 2018 contact Melissa Nelsen at melissa@genevievemcc.co.za ■ BirdLife Overberg Specialist Birding Course: If you find it difficult to identify those cryptically coloured small brown birds (Little Brown Jobs – LBJs) then this course is for you.

Tuesday, 4 September ■ John Steinbeck: As part of their Literary Anniversaries series, U3A Overberg presents a talk on John Steinbeck: The Great Depression and beyond. In the Catholic Church Hall, at 10:00.

Wednesday 5 September ■ Hermanus Photographic Society: Monthly meetings that cater for everyone, from the beginner to the advanced photographer, on the first Wednesday of each month. The theme for the September Club competition will be ‘A day in nature’ while the Audio Visual Group’s next challenge is depicting ‘Funky’. Visit hermanusphoto.co.za for further announcements of forthcoming monthly outings, challenges and workshops. Contact info@hermanusphoto.co.za. In the Hermann Swart Hall, Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus, at 19:00.

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29 August 2018

What about our ‘hidden water’ consumption?

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outh Africa has a mean annual precipitation far lower than the global average. This is a fundamental constraint to development, especially when the country, and particularly the Western Cape, has already run out of surplus water. To add further pressure, Southern Africa’s water resources are expected to decrease as a result of climate change.

selves as part of a greater natural system on which we depend for our survival.

MY NEWS Environment THE

“The logic of the WaterExplorer programme is simple and powerful: If we Explore, we will Discover, this will help us to Understand and then we will know how we can Change.”

You may ask: how can I change? What can an individual do to reduce the consumption of hidden water? My first thoughts go to simple things like using what we buy for longer. No need for the new season’s designer clothes (not in the Overstrand anyway); no need for that flashy new car (old is the new smart); eat less meat; have fewer children; re-use packaging for something else. The list goes on.

Despite the potential devastation, the country’s response to climate change has been limited. What are we doing to inform the general public of the need to look differently at all forms of water use? I asked Louine Boothway, WaterExplorer Coordinator in the Western Cape to tell us more about this education programme that challenges participants to go beyond standard water-saving practices such as fixing water leaks and brushing teeth using a cup. She writes as follows: “WaterExplorer has been implemented with great success internationally for the past five years and encourages participants to investigate all the areas of our lives that require water and how we can adapt our daily practices to become more water efficient. This includes having a closer look at the “secret” water which is used to produce the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the digital technology we use as well as the water used in electricity generation.

“Learners from local participating schools like Generation Schools Hermanus and Applewood Preparatory in Grabouw were amazed to learn that one hamburger takes 2 400 litres of water to produce. This includes watering the grain crops used to feed the cow, watering grass for the ‘fortunate’ cows that still feed on grass, providing water for the cow to drink and water used to wash away waste during the processing of the meat.

Suddenly the hamburger on our plate takes on an entirely new meaning when we understand the environ-

However, our free market economy depends on consumerism and the jobs it creates. What is the answer?

Perhaps one answer is to boost the service economy where we sell a service – where people become more important than the goods we sell. For example, your 20-year-old car still needs servicing. As an environmentalist I can only say: “Put the environment first – everything else depends on it.”

The Hermanus home-schooling group Amazing GIG is among the finalists in the national WaterExplorer competition. They travelled to Howick in KZN to compete against the five other South African teams in the final event on 28 August. mental impact of a favourite meal that is really not that healthy for us to eat anyway.

“More eye-opening secret water facts include: 70 litres of water to produce one apple; 255 litres per one glass of milk, 15 000 litres of water to produce 1 kg of beef, and one chocolate bar a whopping 1 700 litres of water! Learners were also amazed to learn that one pair of stone-washed jeans can use up to 10 500 litres of water to make and throwing away a single sheet of A4 paper means wasting 10 litres of water. One kWh of electricity uses up to 3 litres of

water to produce. When we understand that we also actively consume a lot of ‘hidden’ water through the choices we make daily then we can start to adapt our lifestyles to be more water wise and sustainable in the long run.

“WaterExplorer goes further than only challenging our practices. It challenges our unsustainable worldviews by questioning what we view as ‘wants’ and ‘needs’. It aims for a world-view shift, a deep change in the value systems that inform our lives. Moving away from destructive consumerist views to seeing our-

GREEN FINGERS Thandikhaya Bango and David Situlo of the Municipal Parks Department in Hermanus were delighted to receive trees to be planted across the Overstrand during Arbour Week. The 120 indigenous trees were kindly donated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

National Arbour Week takes place from 1 – 7 September and is a national campaign initiated to celebrate South Africa’s trees and to raise awareness about their importance. According to the Overstrand Municipality, trees will be planted during Arbour Week at various locations, including Kleinmond (Mooi-Uitsig), Hermanus (on the Cliff Path in front of the Windsor Hotel, at the Mt Pleasant Cemetery and Iliza Park in Zwelihle) and also in Baardskeerdersbos.

Every year, two indigenous trees (1 common and 1 rare) are selected as the trees of the year. The trees for 2018 are the Boscia albitrunca (Shepherd’s tree) and Podacarpus elongates (Breede River Yellowwood).

– Anina Lee, Whale Coast Conservation

The WaterExplorer programme is managed in South Africa by the African Conservation Trust funded by HSBC International and implemented at a local level in partnership with Whale Coast Conservation. Sadly, with funding for this project coming to an end at the end of November 2018 the programme will no longer be implemented in South Africa. However, the programme ends on a high note for the Western Cape team as one of our local WaterExplorer teams, the home-schooling group known as Amazing GIG, has been selected as a finalist in the national WaterExplorer competition and stands a chance to represent South Africa in London later this year. They will be travelling to the final event in Howick KZN, which takes place on 28 August, to compete against the five other South African finalist teams. We wish them the best of luck!!

For further information contact Western Cape WaterExplorer Facilitator Louine Boothway on 079 053 9034 or louine@projectafrica.com

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29 August 2018

Restaurants on the merry-go-round

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ike and Cheri Pallas are among a handful of restauranteurs that have remained active in the local industry for two decades – and they show no signs of hanging up their aprons any time soon.

Having sold Piccolo’s, their little pizzeria in Harbour Road to partners Gordon Schoeman and Tam Yeatman, who have reinvented the eatery as ‘Embers’, Mike and Cheri recently took over EAT restaurant in Hemel-en-Aarde Village.

The previous owner, Sheena Bruce and her head chef, Connel Massyn, have decided to focus on their rapidly expanding charcuterie business, based in Caledon. The rest of the staff have been taken over by Mike and Cheri – and what a friendly, competent bunch they are. So it’s business as usual at EAT, and loyal customers will still be greeted and served by Tammy-with-thebeautiful-smile and the equally cheerful and unflappable Andy.

In the kitchen, Pelo, Innocent and Thandi will continue to create the signature dishes developed by Connel. “The team works together like clockwork,” says Mike. “They all know one another very well and are more like family than colleagues.” Apart from adding a few decorative touches, Mike says the restaurant will carry on as normal as he sees “no need to try and reinvent the wheel”.

In a way, the acquisition of EAT has brought Mike full circle from his restaurant days in Johannesburg, before he and Cheri visited Hermanus in 1999. Cheri says she had always told Mike that “one day I want to go and live by the sea”. During that visit they were dining at Europa (now called Wooden Barrel) on the waterfront when they decided there and then to buy the restaurant and settle in Hermanus.

A few years later, in 2005, they took over a tea room in Onrus, gutted the interior, renovated the kitchen, installed a wood-burning pizza oven, and tamed the overgrown garden at the back.

This restaurant, which they named Bella Napoli, went on to become a popular destination in Onrus, well known for its delicious pastas and thin-based pizzas. Especially during the summer months, the garden provided a delightful setting for dining, and I remember many a meal enjoyed there with family and friends, as the restaurant was a stone’s throw from my house in Onrus.

What’s Cooking RESTAURANT NEWS Hedda Mittner When they sold Bella Napoli in 2010 and started a new chapter in Harbour Road in the centre of the Old Town, Mike and Cheri had a two-year restraint of trade on pizzas. They decided to pay homage to Mike’s heritage instead by creating a Greek menu, and here too, I remember enjoy-ing their wonderful mezze platters on the little balcony overlooking Harbour Road. When the restraint of trade lapsed, they returned to pizza, which once again took pride of place on the menu.

With their “Italian years” now behind them, Mike says EAT is very similar to the restaurant he had in Johannesburg, with a full à la carte menu that includes a few speciality pizzas.

What impressed him most about EAT, he says, is how everything is made from scratch – from the hamburger buns to the salad dressings.

Mike (on the far right) and Cheri Pallas (second from left) with their tem at EAT: Lula Maqume, Busi Mkhencele, Innocent Cengule, Phelo Kibido, Thandi Sinyoko, Andy Nondumo and Tammy Nombewu. Find EAT at Hemel-en-Aarde Village; call 028 316 2348 to make a booking.

“At EAT, it is all about the food,” he says. “We may get less walk-in trade here than in the CBD, but EAT is a destination restaurant with a solid reputation for quality food.”

Back at Bella Napoli in Onrus, which had been renamed Bella@Onrus, the new owners seemed to have run out of steam after several successful years. “It was clear to me that this restaurant was in need of a new, loving owner,” reminisces Jo-Anne Oertel, who went there for dinner during a visit to her mom, who lives close by, earlier this year. At the time Jo-Anne was running a restaurant on the Kromrivier farm in the Cederberg – a job she loved but she wanted to be closer to her mom in Onrus and her children in Cape Town.

“I firmly believe that I didn’t choose this restaurant – it chose me,” she says with her trademark smile. Once the negotiations were finalised, Jo-Anne renamed the restaurant ‘Karmenaadjie’, which may be a bit of a tongue twister for non-Afrikaans speakers but its meaning conveys Jo-Anne’s philosophy that food is a gift.

She loves nothing more than preparing food

Chef Jo-Anne Oertel (on the far right with her staffie, Amber) with her team at Karmenaadjie: Frazer Saidi, Frank A Kasunda, Michelle Blankenberg, Letta Dyantyi, Angeline Julies, Loretta Chitaika, Bersula Hendricks and Stephanie Bruintjies. Karmenaadjie is in Van Blommestein Street in Onrus; for reservations, call 028 316 2967.

PHOTOS: Hedda Mittner

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29 August 2018 with love from quality ingredients and sharing it with others. (Karmenaadjie is an oldfashioned word to describe a packet of choice meat cuts from a freshly slaughtered animal that was wrapped by farmers and given to neighbours and family as a gift.) She is not interested in turning tables, says Jo-Anne; she wants her customers to kuier and enjoy their meal at leisure.

While pasta dishes and thin-based pizzas with an assortment of innovative toppings still feature on the menu, she has added wholesome comfort food such as a traditional beef and bean soup, bobotie and rice, osso buco, slow-cooked lamb shank and malva pudding with custard.

Jo-Anne prepares all the food herself on a daily basis, from fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Which is why she takes a break on Wednesdays when they do not offer the a la carte menu but only pizzas, with a special offer of two for the price of one (the cheaper of the two pizzas is free).

Pizza Wednesdays have become very popular, as have Jo-Anne’s Sunday roasts, served on platters so that each table can dish up for themselves, just as you would at home.

“Families love it,” says Jo-Anne, who adds that although Karmenaadjie offers free WiFi, this is not the sort of restaurant where you ever see people on their cellphones.

“My customers are too busy enjoying quality time together,” she says. “They forget all about their phones, sometimes bringing board games along instead – and I really love that.”

As Mike and Cheri have done at EAT, Jo-Anne has already formed a close bond with all her staff members – a happy and enthusiastic team that Jo-Anne says she is “blessed” to have.

The latest addition to her new “family” is a black staffie, Amber, a frightened stray who was discovered hiding in the bushes near Curro School and was cared for by concerned members of the public until she could finally be rescued by Dr Marc Walton of the Hermanus Animal Hospital. Amber’s story was widely shared on social media before Jo-Anne adopted her and, as with the restaurant, she says the dog chose her and not the other way around.

Amber now accompanies Jo-Anne to Karmenaadjie every day, where she feels very much at home and has been adopted by all the staff, who take turns to take her out for walks. She is as affectionate as her new mother is kind and nurturing – and it is these very special qualities that are experienced by everyone who visits Karmenaadjie.

I think Mike and Cheri will be pleased to know that their previous restaurant is in such loving hands!

Fusion’s Quiz Nights during the winter months have become a popular annual event that is enthusiastically supported by locals. This year the Quizaholics team walked away with the winning trophy after eight rounds, despite the fact that this was the first time they entered. At the back, from left are Ian Lockett, David Ralph, Robin Richards, Tony Webb, Robbie Lapping and Rod Pringle. In the front row are Tony Bartlett, Sally Bartlett, Sue Ralph, Deirdre Richards and Sheila Whitfield. Also part of the team but not on the photo are Liz Lockett and Coralie Pringle (the latter was taking the photograph).

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29 August 2018

Caring for the people that time forgot service, and shipping visits few and far between one was thrown back on one’s own resources to solve problems,” says Wendy. However, she and her husband, Bryan found their life in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the name of the village on this ‘Most Remote Inhabited Island in the World’ a spiritually enriching experience.

Elaine Davie

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he small islands that lie in the South Atlantic Ocean half-way between the west coast of Africa and Brazil definitely don’t get as much press coverage as their more exotic cousins off the east coast of Africa: Madagascar, Le Réunion, Mauritius, the Seychelles.

About once a century an event occurs which brings one of these humble islands into the spotlight, before it happily retreats into obscurity once more. In 1961 the volcano on Tristan da Cunha spectacularly erupted and the entire population had to be evacuated, first to Cape Town and then to the UK, and way back in the early 19th century, the eyes of Europe were on St Helena as Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled and eventually, died there.

Most of the Islanders had been anxious to return to their refuge after the eruption of the volcano. They speak a dialect of their own, follow their own traditions, and although schooling was very basic for many, they understand their environment and what it means to be a human being living in harmony with nature.

Dr Wendy Cooke aboard RMS St Helena (”my bus to and from work annually”) arriving at Jamestown where she worked as one of four medical practitioners on the island.

But in October last year an event occurred that is likely to change the life of that community forever: the first commercial flight landed on St Helena, catapulting it unceremoniously into the modern era. Up to then, the only contact the islanders (or ‘Saints’ as they call themselves) had with the outside world was the visit from RMS St Helena every three weeks. While the weekly SA Airlink flight from Johannesburg is likely to give a valuable boost to the tourism industry of the island and consequently, its economy, it is bound to have a serious impact on the peaceful way of life enjoyed for the past 500 years by its inhabitants.

Someone who has been privileged to share in that way of life is Dr Wendy Cooke of Onrus who worked as the only doctor on Tristan da Cunha for a spell of two-and-a-half years, followed, after a stint at Kleinzee on the Cape West Coast, by four years on St Helena.

What struck her the most about the residents of these islands was their hospitality and friendliness.

“On Tristan”, she says, “I learnt to appreciate people for who they are as human beings, not what their qualifications or position in the community might be. Because there are so few of them (only about 300) and there are such limited resources, everyone pitches in and does what’s necessary, whether it’s sweeping the streets, fishing for crayfish, harvesting the famous Tristan potatoes (remember the stamps with potatoes on them),

Wendy and Bryan Cooke with their four-footed children at home in Onrus, where they have lived for the past five years. building new homes, attending to the welfare of livestock (sheep and cattle) or baking bread. We were kept in basics by the generosity of the islanders who shared home-grown vegetables, eggs, milk and meat, augmented by crayfish and bluefish during the fishing season. I have truly never experienced warmth or generosity like that before.”

Dr Cooke was in charge of a 4-bed hospital there and had the assistance of three nurses. Together they handled everything that came up, from bone fractures to asthma attacks, to caesarean sections. She administered anaesthetics herself before carrying out surgical procedures and X-Rays had to be developed by hand. While

she was there, she delivered eight babies, all girls, and became ‘muddish’ (god-mother) to two of them.

Visiting ships also occasionally needed medical assistance for their per-sonnel, like the second engineer who fell into the hold of his ship, landing on metal railings and doing himself some serious damage.

Her most challenging medical procedure, however, was a three-hour laparotomy for obstructed bowel.

She had taken a list of Cape Town specialists she knew with her to the Island, so she contacted one of them by satellite phone and received detailed instructions which, assisted by a young doctor and two paramedics from a visiting ship, she successfully

carried out. When they emerged from the theatre, a tray with gin, whisky and mixers was waiting for them, supplied by the Administrator and grateful Islanders.

In the spirit of helping out wherever needed, she also spayed a number of puppies whilst on the Island and was once called on to assist with the delivery of a calf, who was thoughtfully named Wendy and made the grounds of the hospital her own personal fiefdom. “When she batted her long eyelashes at her adoring sycophants she was treated to bites of toasted cheese and tomato sandwich,” laughs Wendy.

“With no television, no telephone

Compared with Tristan, St Helena, with its population of 4 500 was a veritable hub of civilisation. Apart from Jamestown, the capital, there were other smaller settlements scattered about in the mountains and even a mini-French enclave around Longwood House, where Napoleon lived – and died – presided over by an honorary French consul. Of course, from a South African point of view, there are also the interesting cemeteries of Boer prisoners of war who had been exiled during the South African War and died on the Island.

On the medical front, things were much easier than on Tristan with a proper hospital with four doctors, one of them a general surgeon, together with modern X-Ray and other medical facilities. Serious emergencies and patients requiring complex investigations and procedures still had to be stabilised and medevacked by ship to Cape Town for treatment, though.

Various specialists would visit from the UK or Cape Town and carry out mass procedures, like the orthopaedic surgeon who, assisted by the local medics, did nine knee and five hip replacements in three weeks. The new air service to St Helena has made an enormous difference in situations like these.

The experience of caring for these remarkable island communities, living simple but tranquil lives in a time warp has, Wendy says, changed her entire outlook on life. Although she went there to provide a much-needed service to the residents, she gained so much more from them, in their warmth, their generosity, their closeness to nature and their appreciation of the really important things in life.

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29 August 2018

A

Blooming crop circles emerge in Overberg

landscape art project consisting of two giant crop circles that were created among the wheatfields on the Boontjieskraal farm in the Overberg is taking shape. The circles, which have been planted with wheat and canola, are both 100 metres in diameter and are increasingly visible from the N2 (in the direction of Riviersonderend when travelling from Cape Town) due to the crops growing well after the recent rains.

Renowned South African landscape artist Strijdom van der Merwe developed this project, which explores the fragile interaction between humans, nature and agriculture, as commissioned work for the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University (SU). This unique project, titled ‘The Earth’, is part of the faculty’s centenary celebrations this year.

Van der Merwe, who grew up on a farm near Johannesburg and studied at SU, says he has been looking forward to creating such an artwork for a while. “I have always wanted to create my own crop circles among wheatfields. The faculty made this dream possible by helping to prepare the soil and sponsoring the seeds.”

Van der Merwe used an ancient symbol that appears in many of the world’s ancient rock engravings in this artwork. “The symbol – a circle with a cross in it – is considered one of the

earth’s oldest known symbols,” he explains.

“We have now used this symbol in a modern-day agricultural context.

This living installation will change colour with the seasons, turning from green to yellow and brown. This represents the cycles of nature and life.” The quarters of the symbol also represent the natural elements of fire, water, air and soil.

“These elements are central to agriculture and the landscape artist’s work. In agriculture, everything relates back to the soil, whether you farm with livestock or wheat.”

Van der Merwe’s work has been included in many international and national exhibitions, including the FynArts Sculpture on the Cliffs exhibition. He has also received many international accolades for his art.

Most of his work captures a moment in time because it is deliberately left to be weathered by the elements.

Van der Merwe says he is always reminded of just how fragile the landscape is in which he creates this kind of installation. “I like creating something that will eventually disappear again. As a land artist, I do not want to superimpose my ego on the landscape. Nature is the most important element I work with.”

PHOTO: Richard Krige, Boontjieskraal Van der Merwe says he is very excited to see how the project unfolds over time. “Land art, like farming, harnesses the earth and the elements. It involves a long and patient process. It all depends on nature. We will only be able to see the entire picture in September when the canola will hopefully produce an extravagant display of yellow flowers. If that does not happen, it is also part of the process.”

The SU Faculty of AgriSciences is running a centenary competition on social media with two great prizes to be won – a R1 000 gift voucher @MatieShop and a R1 000 gift voucher @SUCellar. Competition 1: Answer the following question and email to cbruce@sun.ac.za: ‘The Earth’ consists of four elements – soil, water, air and … Competiton 2: Take your own picture, reflecting the date it was taken and forward it to cbruce@ sun.ac.za. Complete the subject line of your email as follows: Centenary Competition, your answer, your name and contact number. The picture must be inserted in the email; no attachments. Only two entries per person are allowed and the closing date is 20 September, when one lucky winner in each category will be announced.

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29 August 2018

Young boxing stars need support

oach Mzi Damesi of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club is very proud of his talented young boxers who achieved three gold medals and one silver medal at the recent Provincial Boxing Championships. These four young boxers now have the opportunity to represent the Western Cape at the National Championships to be held in Mpumalanga on 21 September.

As an NPO, the club is still in need of additional funds for Mzi’s travel costs to accompany the boys, as well as accommodation and catering. “Mzi has a heart of gold and he means so much to these boys,” says local resident Carole Dods, who has supported the club for many years. “As a former professional boxer he has dedicated his life to training approximately 40 youngsters after school hours, teaching them not only boxing but also self-discipline and motivation.”

Last week Mzi was contacted by Sheron and Rene Pretorius from Franskraal with an unexpected gift. Sheron’s father, Jimmy North, had been a boxer in the UK back in the day before immigrating to South Africa after World

War II. Sheron still had all her father’s trophies “gathering dust in a box” and when she heard about Mzi’s boxing club from Carole, she decided to donate the trophies to him. Mzi was overwhelmed by this kind gesture and the trophies will be put to good use to further inspire and motivate his students.

LEFT: Coach Mzi Damesi with Siphamandla Damesi (16), Atang Sikithi (16), Akhule Mgoqi (15) and Lutho Cothoyi (16) who achieved three gold and one silver medal at the recent Provincial Boxing Championships and now have the opportunity to represent the Western Cape at the National Boxing Championships in Mpumalanga on 21 September.

When Carole met Mzi, they were training in a dark room with broken windows but are now based in a few containers placed on a concrete slab at the Zwelihle sports grounds. Apart from the funds needed to travel to the National Boxing Championships, the club is in need of gym equipment, boxing bags and gloves, head gear and training shoes. They are also looking for the services of an administrator/bookkeeper who can volunteer a few hours a month to keep the NPO up to date.

Anyone who wishes to support them by making a donation or volunteering their services can contact Carole on 082 890 5749 or Mzi on 082 621 5906.

– Hedda Mittner

ABOVE: Sheron’s father, Jimmy North, posing with the trophies he won during his boxing career in the UK. LEFT: Rene and Sheron Pretorius with the trophies of Sheron’s late father which she has donated to Mzi Damesi (middle), the coach of Overstrand Whale Boxing Club.

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29 August 2018

Three Spring essentials for healthier pets

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pring may be a season of blooming delight for humans but for pets it brings out those nasty critters that cause discomfort and disease. Protect your pets now and you not only save on veterinary bills, you may also prolong your pet’s life.

1. Blast the bugs before they bite Ticks are a dog’s number one enemy.

More dogs die of biliary (bosluiskoors) than any other disease and biliary is transmitted via tick bites. Ticks love to hide in tiny, dark spaces – between toes and deep inside ears and even around the anus – making them very difficult to spot so it is always better to apply preventives to stop them attaching in the first place. If a tick bites your dog, it will be poisoned by the preventive and will die and fall off.

And if you thought ticks were good at hiding, you should see fleas! Actually, that’s the point. You often can’t. Only 5% of fleas can be seen with the naked eye so we may think our pets aren’t infested yet they are. Fleas can lie dormant between floorboards, in carpets, on furniture and in kennels or

THE

NEWS

MY Pet Dr Hilldidge Beer

unwashed beds for many months before becoming active and biting your dog or cat.

There are a surprising number of diseases that fleas carry and can transmit both to pets and humans, including tapeworms, anaemia, and cat scratch disease, so ridding your home of fleas is essential.

It is always best to ask for expert advice when buying preventives as some are not suitable for lactating animals, for elderly or ailing animals or for pups and kittens. And never, ever give to your cat parasite protection that’s meant for dogs. It can be fatal. Ask your EberVet Vetshop team for help in choosing what’s best for your pet and your lifestyle, whether it’s monthly spot-on treatments, chewables that last up to 12 weeks or collars for cats that provide protection for up to 9 months.

2. Deworm Tapeworms, round worms and hook worms commonly infect pets and can have serious consequences.

Once your pet has worms, they can

be very difficult to get rid of as their larvae can lie dormant in a pet’s muscles for many months. Deworm an adult pet three to four times a year; and puppies and kittens every two weeks up to the age of three months.

3. Feed well Always feed your pet the best quality food you can afford as the nutrients in good food are the cornerstone of a strong immune system and the stronger your pet’s immunity, the less likely he or she is to contract diseases.

It is also true that the higher the quality of the food, the less you need to feed so while premium-brand pet foods may seem expensive, gram for gram you’re making a significant cost saving, especially if you take potential vet’s bills into account.

These three simple steps don’t cost the earth, are quick and easy to apply yet they establish a very solid foundation for your pet’s long term good health.

– Veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer is the CEO of EberVet Vetshops, www.ebervet.com

HAWS COMMITTEE The Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) elected a new committee at their AGM on 20 August. “HAWS needed change and the best way to achieve this was to bring in new people and to reshuffle the committee to allow new ideas, policies and procedures to be introduced. This has enabled us to reestablish a good, friendly and mutually rewarding working relationship with other animal welfare centres which was lacking in the past,” said HAWS Chairperson Pamela Quinn. The HAWS committee now comprises, back from left: Alastair Lyle (treasurer), Gabi Brummer (HR), Janette van den Broeck (online sales), Callen van den Broeck (maintenance), Marlene Deneeghere (vice-chairperson) and Irene Saunders (HAWS membership). Front, from left: Caroline Davies (dog volunteer coordinator), Tanya Cohen (social media), Pam Quinn (chairperson) and Rene Dewar (fundraising). Insert: Cheryl Richardson (secretary).

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MY HEALTH

29 August 2018

Tracy Going: Speaking out against abuse

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language with a hidden bias, such as saying ‘I was raped’ instead of ‘He raped me’ – and start apportioning blame where it belongs.

he Global Challenge and Ocean Basket Hermanus hosted a heart-warming event on Thursday 23 August where guests had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious fishy lunch with wines donated by Hermanuspietersfontein. The main attraction, however, was meeting Tracy Going, South Africa’s Golden Girl of broadcasting who is best remembered for hosting SABC 2’s Morning Live show and as a primetime news anchor on radio and television.

In the late 1990s Tracy herself became the sensational news story of the day when a whirlwind love relationship turned horrendously violent and her battered face was splashed across the media. But there was worse to come: a two-and-a-half year legal ordeal played out in the public eye, the collapse of her career, her decline into depression and the long journey to undo the psychological damages and the cycle of abuse that started during her childhood years with the unpredictable violence of an alcoholic father who regularly terrorised the family with his fists of rage.

Tracy said she wrote Brutal Legacy from the perspective of a woman who since childhood had believed that this was never going to happen to me. “I wrote it because my voice had been taken away and I wanted to be heard on behalf of all victims of abuse, I wrote it as a protest against my unjust and destructive court experience, I wrote it as a legacy for my children, and most of all I wrote it for myself – to try and understand how this could have happened to me, to accept what had happened and forgive myself for the choices I made.”

LUNCH WITH TRACY GOING AT OCEAN BASKET HERMANUS: From left are author Tracy Going, Anelisa Sorosho (Ocean Basket Sushi Chef), Charmaine Daboyi (Ocean Basket Manager), Tania Fourie (The Global Challenge), Michelle Serfontein (Ocean Basket Co-owner), Arnaud Ducray (Tracy’s husband), Frieda Lloyd (Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager) and Gideon Serfontein (Ocean Basket Co-owner).

PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

It took Tracy 20 years to write her memoir, Brutal Legacy, which was recently published by Jacana. In her talk at Ocean Basket last week, she told the full-house audience that she wanted to share her story about genderbased violence because, as CS Lewis once said, “We read to know we are not alone”.

said. “There were so many parallels between that trial and my own, except for the obvious fact that I had not died. In both cases the trial was not about justice but rather about who was the best lawyer.” Being subjected to harsh cross-examination and accused of exaggeration, the defence team was intent on belittling and discrediting her in the courtroom. “I realised that I was the one who was on trial,” Tracy said.

She was spurred on by the Oscar Pistorius trial to tell her story, Tracy

Oscar Pistorius’ initial sentence was “a slap in the face”, said Tracy. “I got very

angry and decided that I had to tell my story – how dare I not?”

Her story, however, is not a redemptive one. “I did not come out a winner. After two and a half years I no longer had the resources to fight back after the magistrate had pronounced the abuse ‘an isolated incident through provocation’ and concluded that all I wanted was revenge because ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’.”

Tracy had been humiliated and beat-

en down, her name sullied and her life turned into a soap opera. Sadly, this is all too often the reason why victims of sexual abuse do not go to court. ”It’s a shameful thing and people look at you differently,” she said. “I went into court a battered woman and came out a broken one.”

She expressed the hope that the global #metoo campaign would encourage more victims to speak out and be heard. She also pointed out that victims have to stop using

Tracy said she also grappled with the question of why her abuser had done this to her; she needed some sort of explanation. “In the end I realised the answer was simply ‘because he could, and because no-one stopped him’. I also realised that this is not his story; it is mine. At the end of the day, he could have been anyone. Who he is has become irrelevant and, although my experience of abuse will always be a part of me, it does not have to define me.”

Tracy’s moving talk was followed by a lucky draw for three Ocean Basket vouchers and three free copies of Brutal Legacy. Dozens of people lined up afterwards to buy copies of Tracy’s book and have them signed by this courageous and inspiring woman.

– Hedda Mittner

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MY HEALTH

29 August 2018

Dental Implants - what every patient should know

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ental Implants were hailed as a miracle cure for missing teeth when it became commercially available in the early eighties. Today’s implants are a far cry from those early primitive models, and they are being improved every year. Many of the older implants caused infection of the jaw-bone and this infection can be a risk for systemic health, just like gum disease is.

The important message is that not all implants are equal; just like all motor cars are not equal!

Dental Implants are meant to be used to replace lost teeth – from a single tooth to someone who has no teeth.

As dental professionals we have an obligation to our patients to treat them at all times to prevent loss of teeth, and never should teeth be removed simply because we have the alternative of placing a dental implant.

What is the secret to not losing teeth?

Correct brushing and flossing every day – from primary school age. There are no short-cuts to a healthy smile.

Once a tooth has been lost or perhaps not developed at all, we start the process of assessment to decide whether implants or a porcelain bridge will be the best option. Not all patients are candidates for implants, i.e. a heavy smoker is not a candidate for implants and would do much better with a bridge or denture.

Young patients who are still growing are not candidates for implants at all!

Most young people undergo facial growth into their twenties and implants should be used with great circumspection in young people or it could have disastrous results (Figure 1). This happens because the implant cannot grow, but the face keeps growing.

On the other hand, a young patient who has completed facial growth should rather be treated with implants than crowns/bridges which will destroy the enamel on natural teeth, which is not a good option for a young person.

Dental implants are screws that are placed inside the jaw-bone during a surgical procedure in the dental chair and will over 6 - 8 weeks attach to the bone. Once this happens, the “tooth” can be placed on the implant. The implant is therefore nothing more than the foundation to support the crown/tooth and is hidden just like the foundation of a house. The implant has to be carefully selected for each site in the jaw, and especially so in the cosmetic restoration of the smile.

The placement of the implant has to be done with high precision, to enable the dentist to restore it with a crown that will look exactly like a natural tooth. To this end we use a CT

scanner in our practice to en-sure correct and precise planning. No one wants an implant tooth that shouts “False”!

Figure 1: Implant placed in a growing young patient with cosmetic complications as the face keeps growing while the implant remains static.

To ensure that the final result appears as natural as the real thing may take months of treatment. Figures 2–4 show such a case, treated over a period of 9 months to ensure the final result appears just like the real thing.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have patients with no teeth. This remains one of the greatest applications for dental implants to help patients who cannot chew their food properly or where the dentures are so loose they lose all confidence in speaking in public. For these patients one can start with the cheapest option of two implants per jaw, right up to the top end of treatment where the teeth are fixed in the jaw for full function. Obviously the cost escalates with the number of implants used.

Implants need to be cleaned every day, just like teeth – the metal cannot develop tooth decay, but the bone can be destroyed around the implants if correct cleaning is not done daily. The bottom line is that every single tooth in your mouth is worth R15 000 – R20 000, as that is what it may cost to replace a single tooth. It is well worth your while to floss and brush correctly every single day!

Figure 2: A young 23-year-old patient after trauma to two front teeth.

Figure 3: Teeth removed due to multiple fractures.

Figure 4: The same patient three years after teeth were restored with implants.

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29 August 2018

OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALITEIT RESTANT ERF 2834 EN ONGEREGISTREERDE ERF 2837, SANDBAAI (“SANDBAAI MEENT”): AANSOEK VIR DIE KANSELLASIE VAN BESTAANDE ONDERVERDELINGSGOEDKEURINGS/PLANNE, AFWYKING VAN DIE OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALITEIT RUIMTELIKE ONTWIKKELINGSRAAMWERK (2006) EN DIE GROEIBESTUURSSTRATEGIE (2010), KONSOLIDASIE, HERSONERING, ONDERVERDELING, VERGUNNINGSGEBRUIK, AFWYKINGS EN FASERING : INTERACTIVE TOWN & REGIONAL PLANNING NAMENS PINAROUX INTERNATIONAL HOLDCO (PTY) LTD AANVULLENDE KENNISGEWING Munisipale Kennisgewing Nr. 112/2018 soos gepubliseer op 22 Augustus 2018 word hiermee aangevul ten einde die volgende aansoek in te sluit: Kennis geskied hiermee ingevolge Artikel 47 van die Overstrand Munisipaliteit Verordening vir Munisipale Grondgebruikbeplanning, 2015 (Verordening) dat die volgende aanvullende aansoek, van toepassing op Restant Erf 2834 en ongeregistreerde Erf 2837, Sandbaai ontvang is: 7.

Afwyking ingevolge Artikel 16.(2)(b) van die Verordening om:

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY REMAINDER ERF 2834 AND UNREGISTERED ERF 2837, SANDBAAI (“SANDBAAI COMMONAGE”): APPLICATION FOR CANCELLATION OF EXISTING SUBDIVISIONAL APPROVALS/PLANS, DEVIATION FROM THE OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY SPATIAL WIDE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (2006) AND THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (2010), CONSOLIDATION, REZONING, SUBDIVISION, CONSENT USE, DEPARTURES AND PHASING : INTERACTIVE TOWN & REGIONAL PLANNING ON BEHALF OF PINAROUX INTERNATIONAL HOLDCO (PTY) LTD SUPPLEMENTARY NOTICE Municipal Notice No. 112/2018 as published on 22 August 2018 is hereby supplemented to include the following application: Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 47 of the Overstrand Municipality By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2015 (By-Law) that the following supplementary application, applicable to Remainder Erf 2834 and unregistered Erf 2837, Sandbaai, have been received:

(iii) die hoogtebeperking van toepassing op Erf 45 vanaf 9m na 13,5m te oorskry.

7.

Volle besonderhede rakende die voorstel is beskikbaar vir inspeksie gedurende weeksdae tussen 08:00 en 16:30 by die Departement: Stadsbeplanning, Patersonstraat 16, Hermanus. Enige kommentare op die voorstel moet, ingevolge die bepalings van Artikels 51 en 52 van die Verordening, skriftelik wees, u naam en adres aandui, kontakbesonderhede, belang in die aansoek, asook die redes vir die kommentaar, en ingedien word by die Munisipaliteit (Pater-sonstraat 16, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / loretta@overstrand.gov.za) voor of op 5 Oktober 2018. Telefoniese navrae kan gerig word aan Mnr. H Boshoff by 028 313 8900. Die Munisipaliteit mag weier om die kommentaar te aanvaar na die sluitingsdatum. Enige persoon wat nie kan lees of skryf nie kan die Departement Stadsbeplanning besoek waar hul deur ‘n munisipale amptenaar bygestaan sal word ten einde hul kommentaar te formaliseer.

(iii) to relax the height restriction applicable to Erf 45 from 9m to 13,5m.

Munisipale Bestuurder, Munisipaliteit Overstrand, Posbus 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Munisipale Kennisgewing: 118/2018

Departure in terms of Section 16.(2)(b) of the By-Law to:

Full details regarding the proposal is available for inspection during weekdays between 08:00 and 16:30 at the Department: Town Planning at 16 Paterson Street, Hermanus.

Any comments on the proposal must, in terms of the provisions of Sections 51 and 52 of the By-law, be in writing, indicating your name and address, contact details, interest in the application, as well as the reasons for comments, and be submitted to the Municipality (16 Paterson Street, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) loretta@overstrand.gov.za) on or before 5 October 2018. Telephonic enquiries can be made to the Town Planner, Mr. H Boshoff at 028 313 8900. The Municipality may refuse to accept comments received after the closing date. Any person who cannot read or write may visit the Town Planning Department where a municipal official will assist them to formalize their comment.

Municipal Manager, Overstrand Municipality, P.O. Box 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Municipal Notice: 118/2018

UMASIPALA WASE-OVERSTRAND INTSALELA YESIZA U-ERF 2834 KUNYE NESIZA ESINGABHALISWANGA UERF 2837, SANDBAAI (“SANDBAAI COMMONAGE”): ISICELO SOKURHOXISA IIPLANI EZIVUNYIWEYO ZESAHLULO SESIZA, UKUSUKA KWI-THE OVERSTRAND MUNICIPAL SPATIAL WIDE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (2006) KUNYE NEGROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (2010), UKUDITYANISWA, UKUTSHINTSHA INDLELA ESISETYENZISWA NGAYO, UKWAHLULWAHLULWA, ISICELO SOPHUHLISO, UKUTSHINTSHA KWIPLANII KUNYE NEZIGABA : INTERACTIVE TOWN & REGIONAL PLANNING BEMELE IPINAROUX INTERNATIONAL HOLDCO (PTY) LTD ISAZISO ESONGEZELELEKILEYO Isaziso sikaMasipalo Nombolo. 112/2018 njengoko sipapashwe ngomhla we-22 Agastit 2018 siyongezwa ukuze siquke le nkcazelo eyongezelelekileyo: Isaziso siyanikezelwa ngokusekelwe kwiCandelo 47, leMithetho kaMasipala waseOverstrand yoKusetyenziswa noKuceba Imihlaba, 2015 (uMthetho Wasekuhlaleni), ukuba ezi zicelo zilandelayo zesiza Esiseleyo, isiza 2834 kunye nesiza esingabhaliswanga esingu-Erf 2837, Sandbaai, ziye zafunyanwa: 7.

Ukusuka ngokungaphantsi kweCandelo 16(2)(b) ukuze:

(iii) Ukusuka ukuze kwandiswe ubude bezakhiwo ezikwisiza u-Erf 45 ukususela kwi 9m zibe yi 13,5m.

Iinkcukacha mayela noku kucetyiweyo kuyafumaneka ukuze kuhlolwe phakathi evekini, ngama xesha aphakathi ko 08:00 no 16:30 kwiSebe: lTown Planning e-16 Paterson Street, Hermanus. Amagqabaza okuhlomla abhaliweyo amele afakwe kuMasipala (16 Paterson Street, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) loretta@overstrand.gov.za) ngokommiselo WEcANDELO 51 no 52 loMthetho Wasekuhlaleni ngaphambi kwe 5 Octobha 2018, ubhale igama lakho, idilesi, iinkcukacha zoqhagamshelwano, umdla kwisicelo nezizathu zamagqabaza. Imibuzo ngefowni ingabhekiswa kuMnu. H Boshoff oyi Town Planner ku 028 313 8900. uMasipala angangavumi ukwamkela amagqabaza okuhlomla afunyenwa emva komhla wokuvala. Nabani na ongakwazi kufunda okanye ukubhala angatyelela iSebe leTown Planning apho igosa lakwamasipal liya kumnceda afake amagqabaza okuhlomla. uMphathi kaMasipala wase-Overstrand, P.O. Box 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Inombolo yesaziso sikaMasipala 118/2018

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29 August 2018

Dust off your dancing shoes, tune your guitar – it’s Showtime!

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a-Dah…! Hangklip Kleinmond Got Talent is back, and everyone’s invited to take part – all ages, sizes, genders, languages, and all art forms.

Over the past three years hidden treasures have emerged from our communities and blossomed into accomplished performers. And the good news is that this year the organisers are casting the net further afield and hoping to add the rich talent of Hermanus, Zwelihle, Mount Pleasant and Hawston residents to those from Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels.

And it’s free! So why not give it a go?

Heleen Sliep, a member of the organising team bubbles over with enthusiasm. “The Finals are always held in the NG Church Hall in Kleinmond,” she says. “That’s the biggest hall in Kleinmond, and every year it’s packed to the rafters with everyone cheering their favourites to victory. We’ve had Hip-Hop Rap groups, solo singers, dancers – including a gum boot troupe – short plays, instrumentalists, marimba players. It’s just a wonderful, happy way to leap over artificial barriers and for everyone to let their hair down and have fun together.”

Even its organisers are a fine example of collaboration. A while back a group was formed called Kleinmond Link, which incorporates a number of NPOs in the area, and this and other community events take place under its auspices. They’re lucky to be supported by the Overstrand Municipality as well as

a number of local businesses. Most of the judges are talented Overstrand residents, including a member of Tribal Echo, a group that is making a name for itself both nationally and internationally, so it truly is a case of home-town teamwork.

and submit it by 5 September. Entry forms are available from the libraries in Kleinmond, Hermanus, Mount Pleasant and Hawston, as well as Zwelihle Primary, Kleinmond Child Welfare and on Facebook at Kleinmond Got Talent.

“The way it’s structured,” explains Heleen, “is that perfomers attend an audition on 8 September, then about 12 acts are selected for a knock-out round and from those, eight go through to the Finals on 12 October.

Before the gala concert, the finalists are coached in stage presentation and are assisted to give their acts an extra-special spit and polish. There are three great prizes up for grabs, after all, as well as a celebrity interview on Whale Coast Fm.”

So whether you want to make show business your career, or if you want to share your talent with a wider audience, or just prove to yourself that you can get up in front of an audience and perform, one thing is guaranteed: you are going to have lots of fun!

But first, everyone wishing to participate must complete an entry form

Auditions will take place on 8 September from 10:00 – 14:00 in the Kleinmond Town Hall. For more info contact 083 533 9303 or kleinmondgottalent@gmail.com - Elaine Davie

Hermanus Combined Choir to perform at Artscape The vibrant Hermanus Combined Choir will be performing at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town on 9 September in the 2018 Choral Music Eisteddfod, hosted by the Western Cape Choral Music Association (WeCCMA).

tourism meeting at the Windsor Hotel last week, are very excited about the opportunity to compete against other choirs in the province. However, they are in need of clothes and transport for this momentous occasion and donations will be greatly appreciated.

The eisteddfod has three categories, comprising a Senior, Premier and Development section. This is the highlight of the WeCCMA calendar where choirs compete to be crowned the WeCCMA Eisteddfod Champion. The event forms part of the Artscape Heritage Festival which is themed around the centenary celebration of Nelson Mandela.

Please contact the choir conductor Shaun Tsholoba on 084 845 5922 or chairman Siyabongo Vonco on 073 825 1762 / siyabongo.vonco@gmail .com or communications manager Noluthando Zweni on 028 313 8911 / tzweni@overstrand.gov.za if you’d like to support this proudly Hermanus choir.

Members of the Hermanus Combined Choir, who performed at the

They are also available for performances at events, functions and other special occasions.

The vibrant Hermanus Combined Choir will be performing at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town on 9 September.

READY SET GO DANCE SHOW Haus of Performance (HOP) celebrated the art of dance at their first show in Hermanus, titled Ready Set Go, at the Sandbaai Hall on Friday evening. The owner and dance instructor of HOP Hermanus, Estian Jansen van Rensburg (right) , is a qualified Hip Hop dance teacher who completed his BA Live Performance degree at AFDA in Cape Town and has represented South Africa twice as a member of the SA Dance Team in Germany and Austria.

Estian moved to Hermanus earlier this year and established HOP in February with just three children. The group has now grown to 12 children in a period of just six months and they were very excited to take to the stage in their first big dance show. Among the performers were Adriaan Smuts (back left), Carmen Kruger (middle front) and Chanté Roux (back right) who took part in the opening dance in the junior and senior categories. For more information on dance classes (from five years and up), contact Estian on 083 280 0824.

PHOTO: Taylum Meyer

22

T

29 August 2018

United States Open to serve up another feast of tennis

he 138th edition of the US Open started on Monday, 27 August with the finals scheduled for the weekend of 8/9 September. This is the 4th and final Grand Slam of the year.

The tournament is being held on outdoor hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in Flushing Meadows, New York City.

South African followers will focus on the progress of Kevin Anderson (singles) and Raven Klaasen (doubles), finalists in the men's singles and doubles at Wimbledon. Anderson was also a finalist in the men's singles at the 2017 US Open, losing to Rafael Nadal. He is seeded 5th for this event while Klaasen and his partner, Michael Venus are the 9th seeds. This will be the last Grand Slam to have 32 seeds, with the format reverting to 16 seeds in 2019.

The defending singles champions are Rafael Nadal (Spain) and Sloane Stephens (United States). The top four seeds in the men's singles are (in order), Nadal, Federer, Del Potro and Zverev. Reigning Wimbledon Champion, Novak Djokovic is seeded 6th.

The women's section has Wimbledon

Offside Tony O’Hagan

winner, Simona Halep at the top of the seeded players, followed by Caroline Wozniacki, Sloane Stephens and Angelique Kerber.

The finals will be played on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court which is fitted with a retractable roof and a seating capacity of just under 24 000 spectators. The other show court is named after singer, Louis Armstrong, seating 14 000 spectators and it too, has a retractable roof, completed last year. ESPN has the broadcast rights for the event, now in their fourth year of an 11-year contract which costs ESPN $825 million.

The US Open will pay record monies to the winners this year, with the men's and women's singles champions earning $3.8 million (around R55 million) and the losing finalists, $1.850 million (approx. R26 million).

The winners of the doubles will share

Rafael Nadal beat South African Kevin Anderson in the men’s singles final at the 2017 US Open. $700 000 (around R10 million). A first-round loser will take home $54 000 (approx. R750 000). The latter could be on the court for a few hours! The US Open was the first to offer equal prize money for men and women.

Multiple winners of this tournament include Jimmy Connors, Pete

Sampras and Roger Federer, who have each won five US Open singles titles, the most in the Open era.

The record for ladies in the Open era is shared by Chris Evert and Serena Williams, with six titles apiece. South Africa has had a fair measure of success, mainly in the doubles events, although both Eric Sturgess

(1948) and Cliff Drysdale (1965) reached the men's singles final. Frew McMillan and Kevin Curren won US Open titles in the Men's and Mixed doubles events.

Let's hope South Africa can add to these past successes and repeat the achievements at the recent Wimbledon Championships.

23

29 August 2018

G

Great Round Table day!

reetings once again. Last week we had some fantastic days to play this wonderful sport of ours. The weather closed in at the weekend but, as I always say, we need the rain.

The Putting Pirate Julian Shaw

New Handicap System ready to go This is one of the biggest changes to the game, as we who are using our current system have known since the inception of a National Handicap Network. It basically incorporates the individuality of a golf course and gives it a comparative rating versus any

SATURDAY ALL TOGETHER 18 AUGUST Betterball Medal 124 players – Winners: Wendell Meiring and John van der Plas - nett 61 Runners-up: John Ruddy and Eddie Burger - nett 62 Ball pool paid to 64 | 6 two clubs Attendance draw was sponsored by Sotheby’s fellow member John Quincey and was won by Ben Thompson.

LADIES’ TUESDAY Betterball Stableford 32 players – Winners: Wina Loubser and Hilary Dale - 43 points; Runners-up: Millicent Brink and Jacky MacDonald - 42 points C/I

Brilliant Round Table Golf Day Once again the Round Tablers got together and organised their annual golf day on Friday. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we were lucky this year, as the weather changed drastically the very next day! The guys from the Round Table do some fantastic charity work – well done to all involved.

The day was organised by Hilton Haman, who has taken charge of numerous golf days and did a great job. Our winners this year were experienced campaigners Peter Bouwer, Andre Sherriff, Theo Heyns and Deon Horn on 91 points. The runners-up were the Burger family – Eddie, Clayton, and Dillon, together with Willem Addison, just one point behind them.

Scores at a glance

MEN’S WEDNESDAY Betterball Stableford 113 players – Winners: Paul Vorster and Johan van Vuuren - 48 points; Runners-up: Brain Taylor and Brent Hill - 46 points C/I Best gross: Damian Grib - 75 | 2 two clubs Ball pool paid to 42

other course. The big change-over day is 3 September. For any golfer interested in how it all works, just look it up online or come to the club for an explanation.

Until next week, have a great one, keep calm and go golfing!

Julz and the crew

ABOVE: Young Julian du Toit collecting his granddad’s (André du Toit) prize as he was his caddy for the day!

RIGHT: The winners of the Round Table Golf Day on 24 August, from left: Andre Sherriff, Deon Horn, Peter Bouwer and Theo Heyns, with tournament organiser Hilton Haman in front.

24

THE

NEWS

29 August 2018

MY Sport

Tristan Roberts: Chasing waves around the world

H

e might be spending half the year travelling overseas, but 21-year-old bodyboarder Tristan Roberts says he will always think of Onrus as “home”. This is after all where he grew up and where he first took to the waves at the age of six, following his older brother Carden’s love of the sport.

As a professional bodyboarder, this is Tristan’s third year on the World Pro Tour organised by the Association of Professional Bodyboarding. He has shot up the rankings and is currently number 4 in the world.

This achievement comes after many hours of training in the world’s oceans. His schooldays were spent in the waves on Onrus beach, learning from Carden and his friends. At the age of 12, Tristan was selected to represent Boland at the South African Championships held at Lamberts Bay, where he won the boys U15 division.

By the age of 15, he had five South African titles under his belt. These wins included two in the U15 boys division, two in the U18 age group and one as the South African Pro Champion. In 2015, Tristan was chosen to represent South Africa at the Bodyboarding World Games in Chile and won the Pro Division at the event, which fell under the auspices of the International Surfing Association.

In the same year, he matriculated at Curro Hermanus where he was head boy and made the decision to become a fulltime professional body-

RIGHT: Tristan Roberts on his old stomping ground, Onrus Beach, where he enjoys bodyboarding whenever he returns home.

PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

boarder. And I dare say that chasing waves as a career seems to have worked out pretty well for this dedicated sportsman. “I’m getting to see the world, meet amazing people and ride the waves I dreamed of as a kid,” he says with a big grin.

BELOW: Tristan chasing waves on the World Pro Tour.

PHOTO: Josh Tabone

And how does Onrus compare to the rest of the world? “I enjoy Portugal and Australia, where the waves are really good and the people most welcoming,” he says, “but home will always be home and I’ll forever think of Onrus as the place to be.

“This beach,” says Tristan, gesturing towards the waves from the Milkwood balcony where we are enjoying a coffee, “provided the best training ground. It might not have the best waves, but it has a variety of every type of wave – beach breaks, reef breaks, small waves and big powerful waves.

This in my opinion prepares you to compete in any conditions.”

The Bodyboarding World Pro Tour consists of nine events which are organised by the Association of Professional Bodyboarding in South America, Australia and Europe. Tristan won the Chile leg of this tour and gained second place in Brazil. He has just returned from Australia and will be heading off on 10 September for the Portugal leg of the Pro Tour, and then on to the Canary Islands in October.

We wish him all the best – and that he will soon be the world number 1!

- Tony O’Hagan